Details about Peru Itinerary

Arrive to Cusco
Transfer from the airport to the hotel.  Acclimate and recover. 
Hotel in Cusco
 

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Cusco Sites and transfer to Sacred Valley (B, L)
 

9.00 a.m. Pick up from hotel
9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. City Tour in Cusco:

We will visit Koricancha, Saqsayhuaman, Q’enqo,
Pukapukara & Tambomachay Temple.
 

Transfer to Hotel in Sacred Valley.

On the way we will visit Chincheros Andean Textile Community

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Sacred Valley Sites (B, L)
9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Tour to, Maras ́Salt Mine, Moray Circular Andenes and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Lunch in Urubamba
Hotel in Sacred Valley
 

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The Hike begins in Wayllabamba (L, D)

6.00 a.m. Our private transportation and staff will pick us up from the hotel. We drive to Piscacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machu Picchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley.

 

Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp.

 

All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
 

Total distance: 12 km (7.47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
 

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Hike Day 2: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo (B, L, D)

We wake up at around 6.00 a.m. and after breakfast; we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman ́s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus).

 

We advise that on this day your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp.
 

Approximately 7h of hiking.
Total distance: 11 km (6.84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
 

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Hike day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna (B, L, D)

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due to the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, which is rich in Andean flora and fauna.

 

From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft).

 

Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas ́ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography.

 

We go through an Incan tunnel to later arrive at a pass and down toan archeological complex. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain.

 

Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means  ̈town over the clouds ̈. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an
urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.
 

Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
 

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Final Hike - Machu Picchu (B)

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the  ̈House of the Guardians ̈. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around. The valleys and mountains that surround it, or ascend to Huayna Picchu Mountain (Highly recommended! Pre-registration is required).
 

Total distance: 6 km (2.49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours

Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)
2.50 p.m. You have to stay at Aguas Calientes Train Station
3.20 p.m. – 5.08 p.m. Train Expedition Aguas Calientes - Ollantatyambo
5.15 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. Transfer from Poroy’s train station to your hotel in Sacred Valley
Hotel in the Sacred Valley
 

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Recovery Day in the Sacred Valley (B)
Free day in the Valley to recover, and/or explore the town on your own.
Hotel in the Sacred Valley
 

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Pisac Sites and transfer to Cusco (B)
Pick up from hotel in the Sacred Valley

Visit Pisac Archeologic Site and Handicraft market
Hotel in Cusco
 

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Final day: Cusco – Lima (B)
Transfer from the hotel to the airport
Flight Cusco – Lima - Home
 

B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner